Patriots' Robert Kraft Issues Apology In Prostitution Case

New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft issued a statement Saturday afternoon apologizing to his family, friends, co-workers and fans about his arrest last month in a Florida human trafficking case. The statement, the first time Kraft has spoken publicly since being charged, came less than a day after his attorney said law enforcement had acted illegally in the case and demanding that the state attorney open an investigation into its conduct.

Kraft, 77, pleaded not guilty to two misdemeanor counts of soliciting another to commit prostitution in Jupiter, Fla., the day before and the morning of January's AFC championship game.

Kraft's statement, reported by ESPN's Adam Schefter, read as follows:

"In deference to the judicial process, I have remained silent these past several weeks. To correct the some of the misinformation surrounding this matter, my attorney made his first public comments on Friday night. I would like to use this opportunity to say something that I have wanted to say for four weeks.

"I am truly sorry. I know I have hurt and disappointed my family, my close friends, my co-workers, our fans and many others who rightfully hold me to a higher standard.

"Throughout my life, I have always tried to do the right thing. The last thing I would ever want to do is disrespect another human being. I have extraordinary respect for women; my morals and my soul were shaped by the most wonderful woman, the love of my life, who I was blessed to have as my partner for 50 years.

"As I move forward, I hope to continue to use the platform with which I have been blessed to help others and to try to make a difference. I expect to be judged not by my words, but by my actions. And through those actions, I hope to regain your confidence and respect."

On Friday night, Kraft's attorney had taken a different tone.

"There was no human trafficking and law enforcement knows it," William Burck told ESPN Friday night. "The video and the traffic stop were illegal and law enforcement just doesn't want to admit it. The state attorney needs to step up and do the right thing and investigate how the evidence in this case was obtained."

The video Burck referenced shows Kraft paying for sex acts at the Orchids of Asia Day Spa & Massage in Jupiter, Fla., authorities said. A Florida sheriff who led the human trafficking sting said Thursday the videos "are probably going to get released."

The only statement to come from Kraft's camp before this weekend was a spokesperson categorically denying any wrongdoing the day the charges came out.